Sage News and Discussion

Sage yesterday had their mobile apps unveiling: Billing and Payments (click to pay by SPS), Mobile Sales (create quotes) and Mobile Service (create work tickets and dispatch employees - feed the invoice back to AR invoice data entry). I'm curious whether you have had any customers inquire about these apps or if you have any customers already using them? If so, what have you told those inquiring? And if you have anyone using the apps - what has been their experience? I think for the most part since Sage sets this up and allows the customer to discontinue use at any time I'll probably recommend the apps if a customer asks. The toughest call with be the customer on Sage 100 ERP v4.3 who needs an expensive update to Sage 100 ERP 2013. I'll be very cautious about not being blamed for suggesting an expensive upgrade just so the customer can use a $29/mo app which they may or may not find beneficial.

Training is another big issue. While it LOOKED simple, I still wonder. If the service techs are younger, they probably already have an IPhone (does it run on Android). If the tech is older than 40, then it more intensive training may be required. There is also a question/cost of supplying the techs with compatible equipment. I have several clients that could benefit. The phrase ""leading a horse to water""...... Quite possible, once you get them over the transition hump, this will be the greatest thing since white bread or.........

It would be interesting to know if integration to inventory is in the future of Mobile Service.

One of my long time observations about Sage is they are very much what I'd term a ""one and done"" type development company. What I mean by this is that unless they see outrageous demand they tend to ship and not further materially update technology. Where I draw this conclusion from is areas such as: Custom Office Business Insights Explorer Of course there are big exceptions to this with Sage Intelligence which Sage have poured an admirable amount of resources into. However my feel is that these mobile apps are going after the low hanging Sage ERP fruit (100,300,500) but really aimed at the Sage One and Sage 50 type customer where Sage is acquiring many more of them based on lower price point and less baggage for a new company to pickup/install Sage 50. All a big WAG on my part.

I would agree with your ""One and Done"" assessment. Regarding Sage Intelligence, I though Alchemex had 'had it' when they were acquired, but it seems someone at Sage had the wisdom to 'Let them do their thing'. Doubt it was NA.

Make sure your customers know the mobile apps are IOS only. And it's only a matter of time before the best and brightest at Alchemex are deemed ""redundant"" and development screeches to a halt.